What Wi-Fi is, how it works, and how to get the most out of your connection.
At Maverix, we deliver ultra-fast fiber internet straight to your home or business. But even with blazing speeds at your doorstep, the Wi-Fi network inside your home plays a major role in your online experience. If your Wi-Fi isn’t optimized, you might not be getting the full benefit of your Maverix connection.
This guide will help you understand what Wi-Fi is, how it works, why your experience can vary, and how to improve your home wireless network for the best possible performance.
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi allows your devices to connect wirelessly to your Maverix fiber internet without using physical cables. It works by transmitting data through radio waves, enabling smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and more to access your internet connection from anywhere within range of your router.
It’s important to remember: Wi-Fi is a separate technology from the fiber-optic connection that delivers internet to your home. Maverix provides a lightning-fast fiber connection to your house. Your Wi-Fi network then takes over, wirelessly distributing that connection to your devices.
Wi-Fi vs. Wired (Ethernet) Connections
An Ethernet (wired) connection offers the fastest and most reliable connection to your Maverix fiber network. Plugging a device directly into your router with an Ethernet cable eliminates issues like interference, signal degradation, and congestion that can affect Wi-Fi.
But most of us rely on Wi-Fi for everyday use—and that’s where things can get tricky.
Why Wi-Fi Performance Can Vary
Even with Maverix’s high-speed fiber internet, several factors can affect your Wi-Fi network’s performance:
1. Distance from the Router
Wi-Fi signals weaken as you move farther from your router. If you’re near the router, you’ll likely experience strong signal strength and fast speeds. The farther you are, the weaker the signal gets, especially through walls or floors.
2. Physical Barriers
Wi-Fi signals can be blocked or weakened by obstacles such as:
Walls (especially concrete or brick)
Floors
Large furniture
Metal appliances (like refrigerators)
3. Interference from Other Devices
Many household items use radio waves that can interfere with your Wi-Fi, including:
Cordless phones
Baby monitors
Microwave ovens
Bluetooth devices
Neighboring Wi-Fi networks (especially in apartment buildings)
4. The Number of Connected Devices
Every device connected to your Wi-Fi network shares the total bandwidth available. The more devices you have streaming, gaming, or downloading at the same time, the more your connection can slow down—especially if your router isn’t built for heavy usage.
5. Router Quality and Age
Not all routers are created equal. Older routers (especially ones using outdated Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 4 or 5) may not be capable of handling high speeds or multiple simultaneous devices. Maverix recommends Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or newer routers for the best performance.
Understanding Wi-Fi Frequencies: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz vs. 6 GHz
Modern routers broadcast Wi-Fi signals over different frequency bands. Each has strengths and weaknesses:
2.4 GHz
Pros: Wider coverage area, better at penetrating walls and obstacles.
Cons: Slower speeds, more prone to interference (it’s a crowded frequency).
5 GHz
Pros: Faster speeds, less interference.
Cons: Shorter range, weaker penetration through walls.
6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7)
Pros: Even faster speeds, ultra-low latency, minimal interference (as it’s a newer band with less congestion).
Cons: Shortest range, requires compatible devices and routers.
For optimal performance, devices closer to the router should connect to the 5 GHz or 6 GHz band, while devices farther away may benefit from the 2.4 GHz band.
Wi-Fi Speed Expectations
Even if you have Maverix’s ultra-fast 1 Gbps fiber service, your Wi-Fi speed may not match the speeds of a wired connection. Some factors that influence Wi-Fi speed:
Router quality and technology
Device Wi-Fi capabilities
Distance and interference
Network congestion
For example:
Wired Ethernet can deliver nearly the full 1 Gbps (or higher) speed you subscribe to.
Wi-Fi 6 devices close to a modern router can often reach 600–900 Mbps under ideal conditions.
Older Wi-Fi devices may cap out at 100–300 Mbps, depending on their hardware.
How to Get the Best Wi-Fi Performance with Maverix
1. Choose the Right Router
Maverix recommends Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E routers for their improved speed, efficiency, and ability to handle many devices at once. If you have a large home, consider a mesh Wi-Fi system, which uses multiple nodes to extend coverage and eliminate dead zones.
2. Place Your Router Wisely
Put your router in a central, elevated location.
Avoid placing it near walls, appliances, or inside cabinets.
Keep it away from devices that cause interference (microwaves, cordless phones).
3. Limit Interference
Turn off unused wireless devices.
If you have many Wi-Fi networks nearby, choose a less congested channel in your router settings (auto channel selection usually works well in modern routers).
4. Use Ethernet When Possible
For stationary devices like gaming consoles, desktop computers, or smart TVs, use wired Ethernet connections whenever you can. This frees up Wi-Fi bandwidth and delivers the most stable connection.
5. Reboot Occasionally
Routers are like any computer—they can benefit from an occasional reboot. Restarting your router once in a while can resolve temporary glitches and refresh your connection.
Mesh Wi-Fi: The Ultimate Solution for Larger Homes
If you have a multi-story home or areas where Wi-Fi seems weak, a mesh Wi-Fi system may be the best solution. These systems include a main router and multiple satellites (nodes) placed throughout your home to extend coverage.
Benefits of mesh Wi-Fi:
Seamless roaming between nodes—no need to switch networks manually.
Strong signal in every room, even far from the router.
Great for large homes, thick walls, or tricky layouts.
At Maverix, we can recommend mesh systems that complement your fiber connection, ensuring every corner of your home enjoys reliable, fast Wi-Fi.
Troubleshooting Common Wi-Fi Issues
Slow Speeds
Test speeds with a wired connection. If wired speeds are fine but Wi-Fi is slow, the issue is likely with the router or wireless signal.
Move closer to the router or reduce the number of devices connected.
Reboot your router.
Dead Zones
Reposition the router or add a mesh node.
Minimize physical obstructions.
Upgrade your router if it’s older.
Frequent Disconnections
Check for interference from other devices.
Make sure your firmware is up to date.
Consider replacing outdated routers.